By Akinwale Kasali
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, Ikeja has sentenced the Founder and General Overseer of I Reign Christian Ministry, Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniels to Life Imprisonment for r€ping a Pastor and member of his Church. The sordid incident happened in June 2020.
Bishop Daniels was, also, found guilty of the offence of s€sually assaulting two members of his Church and sentenced to three years in prison.
Delivering Judgement, Justice Oshodi said he believed the testimony of the complainant as well as other witnesses who gave direct evidence not contradicted at any point during the trial, despite the denials of the defendant.
The Court, also, held that the prosecution had successfully proven all the ingredients of ra*e under section 260(2) of the criminal laws of Lagos state, 2015.
But justice Oshodi discharged the defendant of the second count of allegedly r€ping another Church member at his home in 2020.
The court said the prosecution failed to prove the elements of the use of force, fear of harm by the complainant and misrepresentation by the defendant to establish guilt in the offence of rap€ beyond all reasonable doubt.
The Court ordered that the convict’s name be Registered in the Lagos State s*x offenders register.
The defendant is also ordered to serve his jail term at the Nigeria correctional center, kirikiri maximum facility where he is currently being detained.
In the words of the Judge, the Cleric used his dominant character and position to sexually violate two members of his Church.
“Rap€ carries a mandatory life imprisonment and se*ual assault carries a jail term of three years, which can’t alleviate the harm on your victims.
In exercising the mandatory sentencing, the court said the convict “poses a significant risk to the society.”
